It seems like once we enter college, the Halloween holiday somehow extends itself far past the 31st. Hallo-weekend, and even full weeks dedicated to the spooky celebration have become forefronts of our Fall party scene. As we continue to strive for progressive change in the LMU community especially, it is crucial that our Halloween costumes don’t take us backward in that department. You don’t have to be uber PC to understand the distaste in many cultural-related costumes, but it seems that all-too often people are dressing up in a way that must be moved away from. Some costumes are harder to recognize as disrespectful, so here is a quick guide to a well-mannered Halloween!
1. Costumes based on a culture:
I hope this is obvious, but throwing on a sombrero and a poncho is 100% not a costume. A geisha, a gypsy or a Native-American princess, are not things you can dress up as an excuse for an insensitive caption and a drunken night out. Cultures are not costumes, and as much as you might want to fuse bright colors with a face painted with a skull, the Dia de los Muertos costume is also a hard no.
Any kind of sexy gypsy, or “genie in a bottle” should also be left at home. If you want to wear something sparkly, be a princess!
2. Costumes based on body shaming:
In my research for this years costume, I came across a few blatantly misogynistic ensembles that just made me sigh. I spotted an inflatable bodysuit with a ballerina decal on the front, which is just bizarre and not that comical. Another costume titled “Anna Rexia” had a skeletal dress with a tape measure wrapped around the waist as a belt. I am losing faith in humanity. Any costume that pokes fun at body shape or size, male or female, should be avoided.
3. Costumes based on dead celebrities:
2017 has been a rough year across the board, and with the loss of so many influential musicians, actors, and public figures, I can never understand why people dress up as some weird zombie version of them.
4. Costumes based on natural disasters:
Just have some empathy people. It seems like the past 3 months have been plagued with natural disasters near and far, and I just imagine a few too many people finding humor in dressing up like a hurricane with a nametag. It’s not even that clever.
If you’re on the edge about a costume, just say no. Taking the road of respect and awareness will always surpass a cheap laugh. Many of these costumes were found on Yandy, a lingerie site that flourishes with expensive and sultry costumes during this time of year. If you do decide to purchase from this site, just use your common sense.  Plus, I think it’s time we go back to some real Hallows Eve spirit, ditch the bunny ears and cleavage, and go for the fake blood!
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